This sculpted stone Buddha statue is encircled by a rotunda situated on a gently sloping artificial hill within the land belonging to a cemetery. It is 13.5-metre tall and weighs 1500 tonnes. When approaching it from afar, the lone head of the Buddha peeking from within the rotunda conveys a solemn, serene impression of the Buddha. The entrance to the Buddha has a water garden that visitors normally walk around. After this, you walk through an arched concrete tunnel at the end of which sits the Buddha statue, at the centre of an open rotunda allowing sunlight to come in. The circular opening of the rotunda with light streaming in almost gives a “halo” like feel to the Buddha statue. Definitely a magnificent site to behold! A “must visit” anytime throughout the year.

Next, we will return to central Sapporo and visit The Sapporo T.V. Tower. Built in 1957, it stands 147.2 metres tall. This tower was designed and built by Tachu Naito, a Japanese architect who is also famous for planning the Tokyo Tower. We will head up to the top observation deck where you will enjoy spectacular 360 degree daytime views of the entire city of Sapporo. Your guide will be able to point to various aerial directions from the observation deck and inform the guests as to what specific location that is.

Our tour ends at The Yata Sake Stand Bar. This is a cosy and quaint stand bar. This bar is visited often by both locals and visitors. It is easy to know why. The staff are very friendly and really “know their stuff” when it comes to sake. This is a “must” visit for all those who enjoy sake and want to know more detailed information of the various types of sake.